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Canwest News Service
DETROIT – With back-to-back wins for only the second time this National Hockey League season and having picked up seven of a possible eight points, Detroit Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood thinks they’ve rediscovered their winning formula.
"We’ve gotten back to the way we’re capable of playing ever since that first half of the game in Edmonton," said Osgood, who has allowed only one goal in the past two games.
"We got a little scared we were going to get blown out and we started to play like we’re capable of. Since then, I sense we’re playing desperate and smarter hockey than we’ve played all year."
The Wings will need to keep getting better if they hope to down the San Jose Sharks Thursday night at Joe Louis Arena.
The Sharks are one of the hottest teams in the NHL having won seven of their past eight heading into Wednesday’s game in Columbus.
"The biggest thing on that road trip is we found roles for (Darren) Helm and (Patrick) Eaves and a new spot for Bert (Bertuzzi)," Osgood said. "With a lot of new guys, it takes a little time to get used to our lines."
Wings coach Mike Babcock said his club is also picking up the pace.
"We didn’t have enough pace early," Babcock said.
"Now that Helmer’s back and going we should play at a higher pace. It helps us play a better five-man game."
Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg are both healthy and producing again.
Datsyuk has 10 points in his last seven games playing on an increasingly effective line with Tomas Holmstrom (8-2-10) and Bertuzzi (2-4-6) while Zetterberg (3-9-12) has at least one point in six of his past eight contests.
Babcock has also thrown together speedsters Kris Draper, Helm and Eaves on a line when Valtteri Filppula went down with a broken wrist.
"No toughness, you can say it," joked Draper of comparing his new line to his days with Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty on the Grind Line.
"All three of us like to skate and get in on the forecheck and create opportunities. Anytime you can get chemistry with linemates right off the hop it certainly helps.
"Right now, the three of us are playing with confidence. We feel we can go out and buzz around. We can be responsible in our own end, chip in with some goals and create offence."
Draper in particular looks like he’s turned the clock back several seasons with his strong start to the season.
The 38-year-old has two goals, five points and is a plus-four in 12 games after finishing with 17 points and being a minus-13 last season.
"I just forgot about everything last year," Draper said.
"The harder I tried, the worse it got. It was difficult and disappointing. This summer, I trained as hard as I’ve ever trained. I feel real good right now. "
Windsor Star
dwaddell@thestar.canwest.com
